Home Tech Best Bets

This smart little robot can see, hear, sense and track any movement in your home, and even react to movement by investigating further. Photos and video are sent directly to your mobile device, giving you a complete picture of what’s going on. It also has two-way audio communication, so you can hear—and talk to—your pets or caregivers while you’re away. You’ll never have to worry about security again with this little gadget on the job. It will even recharge itself when needed, giving you total peace of mind. Check out videos and testimonials at appbot-link.com. The Appbot retails for around $200 on amazon.com.

LeakSMART by Waxman

A water leak in your home can cost a fortune to clean up. LeakSMART is a complete home water monitor system that not only detects leaks anywhere in your home, but immediately shuts off your water to stop the damage. The available LeakSMART Hub system works with your internet connection to turn any home into a smart home and is also compatible with many other smart home systems. Plus, the free LeakSMART app keeps you in control of your home’s water from anywhere in the world, 24/7. A complete home system retails for around $699 and is available online at amazon.com or shop.getsmartleak.com, and at Home Depot and Lowe’s stores.

Ecobee3 Smarter Thermostat

If you feel like Goldilocks in your house—too cold in some rooms, too hot in others, rarely just right—the Ecobee3 could be just the thing for you. Remote sensors placed in each room keep the thermostat up-to-date on every change in temperature, so your kitchen cools down while you bake, and your bedroom warms up as you wake. The mobile app lets you monitor and control temperatures from your Apple or Android device, and the thermostat is fully compatible with many smart home systems, like Apple’s HomeKit and Amazon Echo. Ecobee3 retails for $249 at shopecobee.com and amazon.com.

Nubryte Touchpoint Lighting System

Tired of coming home to a dark house, fumbling in the dark for the wall switch and installing clunky timers on lights before vacations? Nubryte’s home assistant solves these problems and more by integrating motion-sensor lights with great smart home features, like home security, weather updates, and a home intercom—all in one sleek, easy-to-install device. It even includes a family calendar and detailed energy monitoring reports to keep your whole family organized. The mobile app even sends live video updates directly to your phone, so you always know what’s going on at home. Find the single-switch model for $199 or the double-switch for $229 at shopnubryte.com.